Sunday, 4 October 2009

Risks and Adventure

Several years ago someone said to me on New Year's Eve, "What out-of-the-ordinary things have you done during the year"? I really needed to scratch around to find something unusual for me, something I had never done before or had felt the stretch to achieve.

Since that year, I have made it my goal to do many extraordinary (for me) things in my life so that, by year's end, I can answer that question easily.

The question has begun to fashion my life. Now, when I hesitate before a problem, I urge myself to take the risk, do the difficult, put in the extra time and to attempt the unusual, because that's what gives me satisfaction and a sense of having at least attempted something different.

I do not want a mediocre life!! NEVER!! I choose dreams and goals which are not middle of the road. Big dreams are the stuff of the extraordinary. Risking and daring are the way of the adventurer. Only risk takers are really free!

Personally, I don't take exceptional physical, emotional or business risks. That is not my style. The quote focuses on "out of the ordinary" for me tasks. It means, perhaps, learning a new computer system, staying with my decision to walk for an hour most days, taking up a new hobby, giving creative thought to my blog posts, meditating and learning to trust my intuition.

So on the morning of New Year's Eve, after cleaning the house really well to complete the year on a pure note and welcome in my new twelve months positively, I can sit quietly and contemplate the extraordinary things I have done in the past twelve months.

This can take quite some time, because twelve busy months take a lot of remembering.

I will congratulate myself on the leaps of faith I have made, the extra examples of love in my life, and even on the times I seemed merely to survive, rather than conquer a situation.

The positive extraordinaries come through loud and clear and give me a different perspective on my life and certainly keep the magic alive.

"Go out on a limb. That’s where the fruit is."Jimmy Carter (American 39th US President (1977-81).

Jessen & Aimee, Nov 2006, Rwanda - At the exhibition where the children proudly displayed their photography.

Eugene and I, Nov 2006, Rwanda - saying our goodbyes!

Postscript:

My New Zealand/English buddy Stoneweaver associated the song below with this post....spot on mate!

Alanis Morissette"You Learn"

I recommend getting your heart trampled on to anyoneI recommend walking around naked in your living roomSwallow it down (what a jagged little pill)It feels so good (swimming in your stomach)Wait until the dust settles

You live you learnYou love you learnYou cry you learnYou lose you learnYou bleed you learnYou scream you learn

I recommend biting off more then you can chew to anyoneI certainly doI recommend sticking your foot in your mouth at any timeFeel freeThrow it down (the caution blocks you from the wind)Hold it up (to the rays)You wait and see when the smoke clears

You live you learnYou love you learnYou cry you learnYou lose you learnYou bleed you learnYou scream you learn

Wear it out (the way a three-year-old would do)Melt it down (you're gonna have to eventually anyway)The fire trucks are coming up around the bend

You live you learnYou love you learnYou cry you learnYou lose you learnYou bleed you learnYou scream you learn

You grieve you learnYou choke you learnYou laugh you learnYou choose you learnYou pray you learnYou ask you learnYou live you learn

You are far from ordinary my friend! How many people get to go to Rwanda? I do agree about doing extraordinary things... For me it's about my photography...taking chances and putting myself "out there." I am having a blast too. And having fun is all that matters!

Mike - It was a trip of a lifetime and I feel so blessed I had the opportunity to see the world through these children's eyes.

Caroline - That's it, you are spot on! Fun is the key. If we are having fun we are relaxed and that's when we’re most likely to achieve our goals and push further.I can certainly tell you are having a blast with your photography! I can sense an exhibition in the air. :)

Annemarie - Being Spring I am in a cleaning mood especially after that dreaded dust storm. Of course I would be more than happy to clean your house, I will do it in lieu of food and board! :P

I can't imagine you ever having to stop and think of something extraordinary you'd done! You seem so full of life and adventure... quite obvious with having gone on your Rwandan adventure.

Your post was a good thought-provoker.... I would like to be able to look back on the year and be able to count the things I've done that were risks and adventures for me. So far, I'm playing it pretty safe in all areas of my life!

Your post resonates deeply to where I am now. I, too, take risks like yours - not physical, emotional or business one, but more about my creative life. The experience is scary but yet exhilarating. I'm looking forward to the end of the year when I would recount all my amazing adventures, including having an inspirational blogging friend like you! Thanks for such great post! :)

Wow - that's showing me what 'adventure' means!! ;o) You have to watch the film 'Yes Man' if you haven't seen it - it is a similar philosophy. Makes me think of the song by Alanis Morissette 'You Learn', when she says 'I recommend biting off more than you can chew to anyone'. It is the only way to grow and learn - and live.

Roban - You may feel you are playing it safe but from where I sit you are making a REAL difference to 93 childrens lives plus your own child. That to me is EXTRAORDINARY!! Congratuate yourself on the love and knowledge you share with these children. :)

Hybrid - You are on a wonderful adverture with your creative writing...albeit a stressful one at times! Reading your blog encourages me to stretch myself and stay focused on my goals.I love how we inspire each other! :)

Chapter Forty - Risk taking for me is being true to my dreams which in turn gives me the motivation to stay positive about my journey and search. :)

Stoneweaver - I was searching for a song to go with this post and came up empty handed. Then YOU my friend wandered over and shone a light with "You Learn".

"You grieve you learnYou choke you learnYou laugh you learnYou choose you learnYou pray you learnYou ask you learnYou live you learn"

Annie - A worthwhile satisfying life will do me just fine!I just need to stay aware and keep looking at everything as if for the first time. And to recognize my subconscious programs trying to bubble up to the surface and take over the experience. :)

Debbie - Your kinds words touch my heart and I am humbled by them.There are billions of shining bright souls in the universe and I feel blessed to know so many here in the blogosphere. :)

:o) Have always loved that song - it's so true. Synchronicity-wise, I had been looking for the CD of the album to replace my cassette tape (that's how long ago I bought it!!) – and found it in a second-hand store at the weekend, so no wonder the song was on my mind when I came here. Connected indeed! ;o)

When I was younger I took risks, I had dreams. As I've become older and maybe some of those dreams haven't materialised -I've opted for a 'safer', less adventurous existence. Your words have made me think! Thanks, Peggy....(you see, I'm still here -although rather late in reading your latest!) CJ

Hello CJ - CazjaneI find I take more risks now I am middle aged, I worry less, offer more to others and engage with my community more often.My belief is that I am young until I die. I am continually surprised at how much happier I feel as I get older. Thanks for dropping by and sharing your thoughts. I hope we meet up one day and share some advertures.:)Peggy

I have learned so much from you and this post is no exception. If we never put it out there, if we never try to go beyond ourselves, we never know if we ever could. By taking that leap of faith or even small baby step, we've started. And in starting, we open our world to the possibilities of infinity. May you always step high into the unknown, be adventurous, and trust in the universal knowledge to be there and guide you. Fly with possibilities and dream as the angels. May you and yours be eternally Blessed. Love and Light, Nina P

Nina - You touch my soul with your words, you always do.I do feel my life is changing and the possibilities are endless and feel excited about the path I am on and where it will lead me.I wish the same for you, dear, dear Nina. You are such a beautiful soul.Love, light and hugs to you too.Peg xxx

Thanks so much for your blog visit. I can tell that I am going to enjoy visiting your blog often as we are on the same path in life. Since I turned 40, I've been on a spiritual journey to do the most I can for others, to spread joy, to create and inspire, to enjoy the simple life, to be and do more. It's not always easy, but we strive for the best and live each and every day, always trying to do more and be better. All the best to you! :) Peace & blessings, Tammy

Peggy, you are an extraordinary being, teaching others your wisdom, and sharing the fountain of love inside of you. This post is full of truth and the love that is coming out of the photos is palbable. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself!

Ooooooh, beautiful post, Peggy! I love this so much! I think to live fearlessly is the only way to live! You are an inspiration to me! I try to live this way too and it is always so good to have friends that understand and try their best to live fearlessly too! That is where we find the magic and joy! They lyrics to the song are beautiful too! I love this! I want to try to add it to my playlist...LOL

I just listened to "No Matter What" gorgeous song too! Thank you for introducing me to something new and extraordinary today!You are a treasure to me and I adore you, Girl :D

Shannon - Pleased to hear your visit to the dentist was not as traumatic as you thought it would be.The good news is, the time we spend now outside our comfort zone will afford time in the future to live the life of our dreams. In other words, agree to be uncomfortable now, so that we can live in comfort later. :)

Jen - The feeling was mutual.Eugene is one of the most amazing women I have ever met. She singlehandedly found a place to house many orphans, fed, clothed and schooled them and then found jobs for them. I was in total awe of this remarkable woman and her accomplishments.Hey thanks for stopping by, I love seeing your face in my comments box.:)

I couldn't agree more. I think being curious and challenging ourselves to try and experience different things is vitally important. Sometimes we can focus too much on how we are living rather than why we live. You have a very engaging blog here, Peggy. I'm looking forward to reading more of your posts.

Des - Thanks for popping over and leaving your insightful comment.You have given me food for thought about focusing too much on how we live rather than why we live.I KNOW I am going to enjoy your blog!Take care and keep safe.Peggy